During the opening rounds of action there have been four reports made for using or behaving in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards or in relation to an umpire — forcing officials to crack down.
“These types of reports and actions are completely unacceptable on and off the football field and need to be stamped out,” Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association president Andrew Moore said.
“If these actions continue, the already scarce umpiring numbers will continue to drop off.”
Three of the four reports have since been heard by the tribunal, where players have been believed to be swearing, but not at the umpires — with the tribunal supporting their versions of events.
In light of this as of April 17 the GVFUA will be instructed to take a zero tolerance approach to all swearing on the field.
Officials will be instructed to pay free kicks and potentially 50m penalties to stamp out swearing on the field.
Whether the swearing is out of frustration at themselves, an opponent or an umpire it will make no difference — all swearing will result in a free kick against or a 50m penalty if free kicks have already been paid.
There will be no warnings issued before action is taken by officials — and reports and red and yellow cards will continue to be used where applicable to stamp out the behaviour.
“This move is one that will hopefully remove the grey area based around swearing and abuse and lead to a football environment that both umpires and players can enjoy,” AFL Goulburn Murray regional director of umpiring Sam Wood said.
The new zero tolerance approach will be implemented at all levels of football.
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